Can You Legally Record with CCTV in NZ? Here’s What the Law Says

December 29, 2025

Installing CCTV cameras is a smart way to boost security for your home, business, or public premises. However, it’s important to ensure your CCTV surveillance system operates within the legal and ethical boundaries set out in New Zealand law. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the record button.

Is It Legal to Record Audio on CCTV in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, recording video using CCTV is generally permitted, especially when it’s used to protect people, property, or business interests. However, recording audio is a different matter.

The Privacy Act 2020 and the Crimes Act 1961 both have implications here. Under the Crimes Act, it’s usually illegal to intentionally intercept a private conversation that you’re not part of. This includes conversations captured through hidden audio recording devices or CCTV with microphones.

If you are recording audio, it’s crucial that:

People are aware they are being recorded.
You clearly communicate this (e.g., with signs or policies).
It serves a legitimate purpose (e.g., staff safety in a high-risk environment).
In most residential or retail settings, video-only surveillance is safest from a legal perspective.

How Long Should You Keep CCTV Footage?

New Zealand’s Privacy Principle 9 (under the Privacy Act 2020) requires organisations to not keep personal information longer than necessary. That includes CCTV footage.

As a general guideline:

Footage should only be retained as long as it’s needed for security or evidential purposes.
Many businesses keep footage for 14 to 30 days.
If footage is used in an incident or investigation, it can be stored longer, provided the reason is documented.
Make sure your system has automatic overwriting to help with compliance, and include a clear retention period in your privacy policy.

Do You Need Signage If You Have CCTV Cameras Installed?

Yes. If your CCTV cameras are in places where people may not expect surveillance (e.g., entrances, common areas, or external surroundings), you are legally and ethically required to inform people that they are being recorded.

Best practices for signage include:

Placing signs at all entry points.
Ensuring signs are clear, visible, and easy to understand.
Including details like: “CCTV cameras are operating for security purposes. For more information, contact [your details].”
Signage isn’t just a legal requirement; it also acts as a deterrent to potential intruders.

CCTV and Neighbour Disputes: What You Need to Know

Installing CCTV at home? Make sure your cameras aren’t pointing directly at a neighbour’s private spaces like windows, backyards, or entrances, as this could be considered an unreasonable intrusion into their privacy.

To avoid issues:

Angle cameras toward your own property boundaries.
Avoid Zoom features that can peer into neighbouring homes.
If a neighbour raises concerns, try to resolve them through open communication.
In more serious cases, complaints can be made to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, which may investigate whether a breach of privacy has occurred.

How to Stay GDPR and Privacy Compliant with Your CCTV System

While New Zealand is not subject to the EU’s GDPR, local organisations doing business with EU citizens may still need to comply. Fortunately, the NZ Privacy Act 2020 aligns closely with GDPR principles.

To ensure your CCTV practices are compliant:

Only collect footage necessary for your purpose.
Store and handle footage securely.
Have a clear privacy policy outlining how footage is used, stored, and accessed.
Allow individuals to request access to footage of themselves.
Delete footage after its purpose has been served.
Transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimisation are the keys to ethical CCTV usage.

When used responsibly, CCTV can be a valuable tool for protecting property and people. However, staying informed about your legal and ethical obligations is just as important as choosing the right camera system. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, taking a privacy-first approach helps you stay compliant and keep trust and security in check.

Need a CCTV Solution for your Home or Business?

Protect your property with security cameras and CCTV surveillance systems from Watchu Security.

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